ABSTRACT:
Obesity,
especially at mid-life, is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, insulin
resistance and the metabolic syndrome, which in turn contribute to coronary
artery disease (CAD), Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The rise in
overweight and obesity in all societies is prompting intense research into the
causes and effects of the condition. Obesity disrupts many body systems
including glucose and lipid metabolism, circadian rhythms and liver function.
It also causes or increases inflammation and oxidative stress. Within cells,
the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) appears to be particularly susceptible to such
metabolic disruption. Sirtuin 1(Sirt1) and leptin have received attention
recently as they are central regulatory factors for the body’s metabolic
pathways which interact at particular levels, for example lipid and Abeta
metabolism. This mini-review discusses recent findings concerning obesity,
lipid metabolism and the role of Sirtuin 1 and how all influence the ER. A
greater understanding of obesity and its effects on metabolic control systems
of the body are required, to develop pharmacological, dietary and lifestyle
changes that will reduce the incidence of CAD, Type 2 diabetes and AD.